The Advantages of Whey Protein Isolate

Whey protein isolate contains a higher percentage of protein, and little or no lactose, carbohydrates, fats and cholesterol. Hence the “isolate” in the name. This form of whey protein supplement seeks to deliver optimal protein content for muscle development and recovery after physical activity.

Whey protein is also available as whey concentrate and whey hydrolysate. Whatever your choice, all of these proteins come from milk. When the liquid portion of milk (the whey) is separated from the other major components (the curd), the remaining liquid portion will contain a part of the proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.

At this stage, the whey is either dried and packaged, or further processed. How the milk is processed will determine the nutritional content. So, which form of whey protein is right for you? Look at our quick comparison below to see how they stack up.

Concentrate – Think of this form of protein as a complete meal replacement. With these supplements, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and other compounds make up a portion of the total contents of the supplement.

Hydrolysate – These supplements contain predigested proteins, which means the long chain amino acids are broken down into single amino acids. This process mimics what occurs in our own digestive system. The only negative of this process is the loss of short chain amino acids and the added cost that comes from the additional processing.

Isolate – This form of whey starts life as whey concentrate before undergoing further processing. As the whey structure continues to break down, smaller amino acid chains, known as peptides, can be lost, but its longer amino acid sequences remain unmodified. Also, more of the carbohydrates, fats and other nutrients are removed.

So, if you want a balanced protein supplement, then whey concentrate may provide the ideal nutritional content for your body. Isolate may be the right protein supplement if your diet provides the nutrients to meet your body’s dietary needs. Hydrolysate can be more expensive than isolate, but is believed to provide a more biologically active form of protein.

If you are on the fence, then continue reading to learn more about why proteins from whey are important, and whey isolates provide the amino acids you want in your protein supplement.

These amino acids also promote optimal bioavailability and absorption through the body, which may allow the proteins to be utilized when needed during and after the workout. While findings do show that whey protein isolate may provide advantages over comparable sources of protein, more clinical research is required to make a definitive statement.

While advantages over similar protein supplements aren’t entirely clear, whey protein isolate is still ideal for individuals that want to reduce their intake of fat, carbohydrates and other nutrients.

Whey Protein Isolate Supplements

Does whey protein isolate sound like the right supplement for you? If so, give one of these products a try!

Klean Isolate from Klean Athlete is a whey protein isolate formula that provides 20 grams of protein and a complete range of essential amino acids per serving. This protein supplement seeks to support muscle development and recovery before, during and after a workout.

Certified Grass Fed Whey Vanilla from Garden of Life Sport is a whey protein isolate supplement with 24 grams of protein and 6 grams of branched chain amino acids from grass fed cows on sustainable family farms. This protein formula also contains a probiotic blend with 2 billion CFUs per serving.

Have you tried whey protein? Share your story in the comments below!

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The products and/or claims made about specific products found on this website have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent disease. The information presented on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace advice from your physician or other health care professional or any information found on any product label or packaging. You should always consult with a qualified health care professional before starting any exercise, diet or supplement regimen.